Will South African Political Changes Affect The 2010 World Cup?

CelticKing · Sep 26, 2008

Will South African Political Changes Affect The 2010 World Cup?

Will the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa be affected by the changes in government and the country's new president? Peter Pedroncelli looks at the issues...

Waves of uncertainty surrounded the South African political climate at the beginning of this week, with the news that President Thabo Mbeki was to resign before the elections due next year. The outgoing president had been in charge of the country for 9 years but calls for him to step down from members of his own party brought his reign to a premature end.

A new president was sworn in on Thursday, which at least managed to lend an air of smooth transition to the whole debacle. Newly elected President Kgalema Motlanthe has sent out the right signals both in the country and abroad, by establishing stability and certainty in government. He announced his new Cabinet barely an hour after he was sworn in by Chief Justice Pius Langa at a short ceremony at the presidential office in Cape Town.

The internal turbulence within government had certain people worrying about the effect that politics might have on the first World Cup to be held on the African continent, but fears of this nature are unfounded, as the structure in place concerning tournament preparations has not changed at all. All those that were previously involved in the sport side of government affairs have stayed put and a few new cabinet members in the safety and security ministry may push things along nicely and improve the situation on that front. It is the nature of politics and democracy: presidents change and new presidents are sworn in.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter was recently in South Africa to visit with various political authorities and confirm that their will be no set-backs based on the political climate. “The 2010 World Cup will be a great, great success,” said the president of world football's governing body before he left South Africa for Switzerland last week Wednesday.

The FIFA president assured numerous media representatives gathered at Ellis Park that South Africa was set to deliver the best ever World Cup. Blatter had completed a four-day visit where he met the now resigned President Thabo Mbeki, while inspecting the progress of the country and the work done in the stadia.

Additional meetings were held with former President of the Republic of South Africa and joint-winners of the Nobel Peace Prize, Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk, the Mayor of Johannesburg, Amos Masondo, the Premier of the Western Cape Province, Lynne Brown and the Mayor of Cape Town, Helen Zille. The FIFA president also paid a courtesy visit to ANC-president Jacob Zuma, who is likely to become president in the elections next year. Former president FW de Klerk, who described himself as a representative of civil society said, “The country is behind 2010, irrespective of whichever party or faction in a party you support.”

FIFA is happy with the progress of South Africa as the host nation and is confident in the ability of the country to produce a stunning showpiece event: “I was assured by government that all the FIFA guarantees to host the World Cup will be met and that all the stadiums being build and upgraded are on schedule. I go back to Zurich a happy man,” said Blatter.

“I am very pleased with what I have seen over the last few days, in particular in the stadiums. The progress being made is good. With all the guarantees and assurances given by the political authorities, I am convinced that, together, we will bring the FIFA World Cup to a great success,” concluded the president.

The political situation has transitioned smoothly to the normal state of affairs, with the new president eager to keep all matters running on the right track. The dust has quickly settled and the future is bright for a nation of proud football fans that appreciate the great honour and responsibility which comes with hosting the greatest show on earth. South Africa will be ready. The world will be proud!
Click to expand...

man_u_barmy_army · Sep 28, 2008

I am back!!!!!!

By the way I don't think it will, as they don't have direct pressure on them.

Log in or Sign up

Will South African Political Changes Affect The 2010 World Cup?

CelticKing The Green Monster

man_u_barmy_army DYC Legend +Young Prodigy

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

Will South African Political Changes Affect The 2010 World Cup?

Moderators

CelticKing The Green Monster

man_u_barmy_army DYC Legend +Young Prodigy

Share This Page

Useful Searches